TIL my old wool blanket beats a fancy sleeping bag for car camping

Wyatt Cooper · 2026-03-23T06:50:06.3096+00:00

I was packing for a trip to the Red River Gorge and had to pick between my heavy wool blanket or a new 20-degree mummy bag. I went with the blanket because I knew I'd be moving around a lot in the truck bed. It was perfect, stayed warm even when damp from morning fog, and I could wrap up by the fire. Anyone else have a simple piece of gear they keep going back to?

kevinc846mo ago

Wait, you slept in a truck bed with just a blanket?

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keith2646mo ago

I always figured a sleeping bag was the only way to go for real warmth. But last fall I used an old army surplus wool blanket on a cold night and it totally changed my view. It was way easier to adjust and didn't feel clammy at all like my bag sometimes does.

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ninabutler6mo ago

Oh man, I feel this. My own mummy bag is basically a fancy tube I get stuck in and then sweat myself awake. Last time I used it, I woke up with one arm pinned to my side like I was in a straightjacket. The blanket just makes more sense. You can kick a leg out, wrap it over your head, or even use it as a weird cape while you fumble with the camp stove. Simple wins.

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